Alabama Books

The late Dr. Malcolm McMillan, Head of the History Department of Auburn University, offers the only thoroughly-researched documentary of Alabama's role in the Confederacy. Utilizing the painstaking research for which he was well-known, Dr. McMillan manages to assemble a multitude of primary documents in a highly readable and valuable history. Providing his own short narratives as a segue, he produced the most comprehensive work on Alabama as a Confederate State. Just as his "Constitutional Development In Alabama" remains the most authoritative work on Alabama's six constititutions, his "Confederate Reader" is of such value that its mere existence has warded off foolhardy attempts by modern historians to duplicate or enhance it. This reviewer would also recommend Dr. McMillan's last work, concerning Alabama's three Civil War governors. Together with the "Confederate Reader", Dr. McMillan managed in his lifetime to achieve that level of pre-eminence occupied by Thomas Owen and A.B. Moore. Today's historians would do well to emulate the devotion of Dr. McMillan to research, the fundamental element of quality in historical writing.

"Alabama Facts and Symbols" is part of The State and Their Symbols series, which focuses on a specific aspect of American geography for young readers age 4-8. Emily McAuliffe's book provides detailed information about the state known as the Heart of Dixie (including the fact that it is known as the Heart of Dixie). The expecations of both students and teachers will be more than met by this informative little volume. The format in these books is that each "chapter" consists of a two-page spread with a photograph on the left and several paragraphs of text on the right. The opening chapter, which is actually opposite a simple map of the state, covers some basic Fast Facts, such as the largest city (Birmingham), size (52,423 square miles), and population (4,352,000 circa 1998).

The rest of the book is devoted to look at the state's symbols in detail. This is where young readers learn about how Alabama got its name and nickname, the state seal and motto (the state seal shows a map of the state's largest rivers, which is certainly different), the state capitol and flag, and the state bird (the yellowhammer, which appears on the book's cover), tree (longleaf pine), flower (the camellia), and state animal (the racking horse, in particular). These pages includes interesting details such as the state capitol is made of Alabama sylacauga marble, that Alabama soldiers who fought in the Civil War were called yellowhammers, and that camellia plants bloom nine months of the year. The last chapter covers More State Symbols, including the state insect, mascot and butterfly, reptile, rock and saltwater fish. Having a mascot is an interesting thing for a state to have, and picking the eastern tiger swallowtail for a state mascot is interesting as well.

In reading through this series what is interesting is finding out what various states consider important enough to make official symbols. That makes this series ideal for anyone who is interested in what states pick as their symbols and why. In the back of the book you will find a trio of Places to Visit (e.g., the NASA-Marshall Space Flight Center, a.k.a. Space Camp), a short list of Words to Know (e.g.,, "conifer"), and other sources where young readers can go to Read More about Rhode Island. There are also a couple of Useful Addresses and Internet Sites that can be contacted for even more additional information. Any student assigned to do a report on one of the fifty states (or Puerto Rico or Washington,D.C.), will find these 24-page books to be quite useful in fleshing out the symbols of these states much more than your standard geography books will do.

This book is a jewel. It would take many weekends to visit all the places detailed in this book. It doesn't list EVERYTHING this great state has to offer but instead specializes in places you might not have heard about. I like that. An interesting read for any Alabamian. Now, I'm headed off to the famous bug museum in Decatur!

This is a blatantly honest novel about growing up in Alabama during some very turbulent times. At times, it will make you laugh; at other times, it will make you cry. The examination of interpersonal relationships was--at times--painful to read; I appreciate Shehane's keen insight into what makes people (and herself) tick. It's a rich read. I just finished my second reading, and I know I'll read it again.

This is the story of Stacey who is sent to her aunt's farm in Alabama during the summer while her parents finalize their divorce. Stacey feels alone and abandoned. When her aunt falls and breaks her leg, Stacey steps in and takes care of her cousins and learns alot about who she is and what life is really like. Stacey immediately gets off on the wrong foot with Lane who is her uncle's nephew. Together they discover what they were missing and find love in one my favorite books of all time. I have read this book so many times its not even funny.

If you love barbecue, the south and need a guide to great barbecue in Alabama, this is a must read. It is an excellent reference guide while traveling the state of Alabama or if you are looking for another barbecue restaurant in your hometown.

It is easy to read and the book has several cross references and maps to assist you in your search for the "heavenly BBQ." The publication also is easy to read and to understand.

We keep ours in our car for emergency use when craving smoked meats of any kind.

Whether a law student, a young lawyer, or an experienced attorney, Alabama Tort Law is a must. Roberts and Cussimano provide a comprehensive look at the history of tort law in Alabama complete with many case citations. The book is excellent for hashing out possible theories, discerning awkwardly written statutes, or finding a quick reference for citation purposes when preparing a brief. As a first time law clerk, I have found the content invaluable. Each litigator in my current firm have copies on their shelves and the library contains a copy as well. Roberts and Cusimano are currently working on a third edition. This will continue to be a valuable tool for all in the legal profession no matter what stage of the game.

Public record but was easier and quicker to order. Arrived very soon after ordered.

Well written and informative.Perfect for the educator or naturalist.I paricularly liked the distribution maps,habitat,life and ecology information.

I enjoyed the book, especially the pictures that was posted. I think my favorite covered bridge is the one in coosa County (Oakachoy). I guess it is my favorite because I love photographing covered bridges and that happens to be my favorite one. I hope that all southerners and others shall pick up this book for their own collection. It is history in the making!